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Award-winning Westlake Picayune sports editor bows out

Award-winning Westlake Picayune sports editor bows out

Habeab Kurdi’s 20-month stint as the Westlake Picayune sports editor recently culminated in winning second place for sports coverage, in the recent Texas Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. His sports sections also helped the Picayune claim fourth place for General Excellence (The Picayune also won first place for editorial writing and fourth place for column writing.)

It should be noted that Kurdi also serves as sports editor of the Lake Travis View, which earned its first ever Sweepstakes honor from TPA for best weekly newspaper in its division, which is based on cumulative point totals from all categories in its culation size. The View’s sports coverage contributed to the honor by wining first place.

They say you should go out on top, and that is what he will do. He recently gave us notice that he has accepted another position.

Growing up, I recall thinking that being a sports writer would be the ideal job. I thought it would be exciting go to games free, meet with the athletes and bring the experience to life again in a story. I dreamed of seeing my byline in the newspaper and that it would be an added bonus to get paid for the honor. It didn’t sound like work at all. But, done correctly, I know now that it is plenty of hard work.

I’ve often talked to Habeab about my dream, and he agreed that it is pretty cool, but when the opportunity for another new and exciting challenge presented itself, he said it was clear that the time was right for a change.

Habeab’s new job is bar manager and beer buyer at Hi Hat, 2121 E Sixth St. His excitement about his new profession was clear when I asked what it entails. It sounded like a good commercial, including everything from Hi Hat’s wide selection of craft beers to its home-made pretzels.

Although, selfishly, I would prefer not to lose him, it is always nice to see someone find a job they love. Obviously, we wish him continued success in his new profession.

Habeab has offered to stay on after the standard two-week notice to help make the transition easier for us - even after starting his new job. It is a noble offer, and one we will gladly accept. So, there is still time for readers to contact Habeab at the Picayune office by email at sports@ltview.com, on his direct line at 512-445-3682 or after dark down at the Hi Hat.